Research Briefing
In brief: The Horn of Africa – review of events during 2010 and prospects for 2011
This note briefly reviews events in the Horn of Africa during 2010 and prospects for 2011
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Research Briefing
Rectification procedure
This note reviews the origins and evolution of the rectification procedure. It notes how many times it has been used. It sets out John Lyon's proposals to change it. It reports the BBC's coverage of Sir George Young's letter to the Committee on Standards and Privileges. Finally, it outlines the Committee on Standards and Privileges' recommendations, and the House's decisions.
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Research Briefing
Cold Weather Payments for winter 2010/2011
Cold Weather Payments are made to certain claimants of means-tested benefits during periods of very cold weather. To trigger the £25 payments, the average temperature in an area must be recorded as, or forecast to be, 0°C or below for seven consecutive days.
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Research Briefing
Amending the EU Treaty: the European Stability Mechanism
On 17 December 2010 the European Council agreed to establish a permanent financial crisis mechanism called the "European Stability Mechanism" (ESM) by means of an amendment to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. This Note looks at the likely ratification path in the UK of the proposed amendment to Article 136 TFEU, as set out in the draft European Council decision of 17 December 2010.
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Research Briefing
Security-related incidents, paramilitary-style attacks, and deaths due to the security situation in Northern Ireland
Security-related incidents, paramilitary-style attacks, and deaths due to the security situation in Northern Ireland. By Ross Young. SN/SG/2229.
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Research Briefing
Global violent jihad
This note looks at British and other assessments of the threat from global violent jihad, Muslim attitudes towards it and the countries that are known to be havens for jihadis and those that are suspected to be at risk.
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Research Briefing
Middle East Peace Process: historical background and a detailed chronology from 1990 to 2010
This note provides a summary of the historical background to the conflict between the israelis and the Palestinians, and a detailed chronology of the peace process from 1990 to 2010.
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Research Briefing
Fixed-term Parliaments Bill 2010-11: Commons stages
The Fixed-term Parliaments Bill [Bill No 64 of 2010-11] was introduced to the House of Commons on 22 July 2010 and had its Second Reading on 13 September 2010. This Note details the progress of the Bill, including developments between First and Second Reading and the Second Reading debate itself.
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Research Briefing
2011 Benefit Uprating
From April 2011 rates of many benefits and Tax Credits will increase; this will mainly be in line with the 3.1% annual increase in the CPI to September 2010. Exceptionally, this year the basic state retirement pension will be increased by the 4.6%. The Government is committed to a "triple lock" for uprating the basic state pension, which means in future it will be increased by the highest of the increase in earnings, prices (as reflected in the CPI increase) or 2.5%. This year, to ensure the basic state pension is in line with the previous uprating rules, the increase in the RPI is being used. There is a requirement for Pension Credit to be increased in line with earnings. However, to ensure the least well-off pensioners benefit from the triple guarantee, the standard minimum income guarantee in Pension Credit will increase in April 2011 by the cash rise in a full basic State Pension. This note sets out the basis for the April 2011 uprating. It focuses on the Retirement Pension and Pension Credit but also contains a summary of the main benefit and tax credit rates before and after the uprating. Child Benefit is frozen until April 2014.
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Research Briefing
In brief: Belarus election and dissent
Brief summary of the election in Belarus and subsequent demonstrations
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Research Briefing
Armed Forces Bill [Bill 122 of 2010-11]
The purpose of the Armed Forces Bill is to provide the legal basis for the Armed Forces and the system of military law which exists in the UK. It also offers an opportunity to make necessary amendments, such as those required by changes to civilian law in the UK or as a result of cases brought before the European Court of Human Rights. The Bill has also been used, on occasion, to introduce new measures relating to the Armed Forces that fall outside the Bill’s traditional remit.
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Research Briefing
Unemployment by Constituency, December 2010
This paper presents labour market data for Parliamentary Constituencies. A summary of the latest national and regional labour market data is given, along with a selection of relevant constituency-level indicators including the latest Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) claimant count data.
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Research Briefing
National Insurance Contributions Bill: Committee Stage Report
The National Insurance Contributions Bill increases the rates of National Insurance contributions (NICs) paid by employees, employers and the self-employed from April 2011 – and provides for the regional employer contributions holiday for new businesses. The Bill was published on 14 October and given a second reading in the Commons on 23 November. It was considered in Public Bill Committee in four sittings between 2 and 9 December. It was not amended.
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Research Briefing
Loans to Ireland Bill. [Bill 125 of 2010-11]
This paper on the Loans to Ireland Bill has been prepared for the Second Reading Debate on the Bill in the House of Commons. The Bill authorises the Treasury to loan up to £3.25bn to Ireland, and contains an order-making power to increase this limit subject to affirmative procedure in the Commons. It also arranges for six-monthly reporting to Parliament on the status of the loan. All Commons stages were taken on 15 December 2010.
Total results (page 384 of 558)